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Background RSR13 is a synthetic allosteric modifier of hemeglobin (Hb). It decreases Hb-oxygen binding affinity by causing a change in the shape of the Hb tetramer molecule. This change results in an increase in tumor oxygenation by enhancing diffusion of oxygen from blood into the tissues. Radiation therapy would theoretically be more effective in killing tumor cells if oxygenation was increased.

Materials and
Methods

This is a Phase II open-label study of a daily infusion of RSR13 and thoracic radiation therapy (TRT) following induction chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLCA).

Induction paclitaxel/carboplatin chemotherapy followed by concurrent infusion of RSR13 and TRT offers significant clinical benefit in the management of Stage III NSCLCA.

Clinical/Scientific Implications

The idea of increasing tumor oxygenation by decreasing hemeglobin-oxygen binding affinity is not a new idea, but one that has yet to be fully developed. RSR13 is an exciting and novel compound that may offer promise in the realization of this goal, but further testing is needed.